Patrick Vieira has defended Manchester City team-mate Mario Balotelli's
on-field image following the angry confrontations with rivals Manchester
United that mired the end of the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday.

in the thick of it: Mario Balotelli gets an earful from Anderson (right) at WembleyPhoto: PA

By Telegraph staff

9:51AM BST 20 Apr 2011

Balotelli appeared to taunt United fans after the final whistle prompting Anderson and Rio Ferdinand to grab the Italian striker by the shirt. City manager Roberto Mancini and coach David Platt were also involved in the melee.

But Vieira, who took 20-year-old Balotelli under his wing as players at Inter Milan, said: "That's part of his personality, that's Balotelli's charm.

"I don't think it was a case of provocation, I just think he got carried away.

"There was more pressure on City's shoulders than United's. As a club and as a team, United are more used to controlling these types of games.

"For us, it was pure joy because the club has been waiting for this for so long. And with all the press expecting United to win easily, it was a big relief.